2018 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 6%of 816 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,585miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the fuel system of the 2018 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 816 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,585 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Windshield cracked for no reason known - I my vehicle was parked in the garage upon getting into my vehicle to folllowing morning I noticed a crack that grow significantly within a day had to have it replaced a few months after purchasing fuel capacity does not register correctly - I did have the recall done but it still does not work properly”
NHTSA complaint #11271311, filed 2019-10, 4,000 miles“Infotainment system is faulty. I have no back up camera, bluetooth, radio, can not program clock. Subaru dealer says there is no fix other than to replace head unit. I have been waiting since dec 14th for this replacement unit. While at dealer I asked for a loaner and was denied. Subaru said the car was safe to drive which is not true since their biggest safety feature isnt accessible”
NHTSA complaint #11166323, filed 2019-01, 13,000 miles“Open recall for fuel gauge not being accurate. I alreay ran out of gas once and when I took the car to dealer they said there was no remedy to make sure I always have a 1/4 of a tank of gas to avoid this in the future! This happened to me on july 13, and I have bee waiting since for solution”
NHTSA complaint #11166325, filed 2019-01, 100 miles“Our system showed 40 miles to empty. Luckily we were in a turn lane coming up to a traffic light and the car shut off/stopped running. Traffic had to go around us to turn at the light. Someone stopped and gave us 5 gallons of gas. We were able to restart the car and go to a service station and fill up.”
NHTSA complaint #11154612, filed 2018-11, 4,500 miles“Fuel software programming defect - fuel warning light does not illuminate nor read properly below 50 miles. I had 30 miles left in the tank, parked the car and after work (approx. 8 hours) I went to start the car and it would not start. Had to utilize roadside assistance - thank goodness this didn't happen while the vehicle was in motion or on the highway. This is unacceptable. Brand new car runs worse than my 1988 honda crx.”
NHTSA complaint #11192927, filed 2019-04, 1,000 milesRelated recalls
- 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86…Covers: Subaru Outback 2018–2020, Legacy 2018–2020, Impreza 2018–2020 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11027081Dec 8, 2025This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs P2096 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1) and P2097 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO RICH…
- 11013494Jan 7, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years.
- 11012269Dec 31, 2024In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years.
- 11008275Sep 24, 2024"In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years."
- 11008273Sep 23, 2024Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.
- 10213184May 17, 2022Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2020 MY Ascent, 2018-2019 MY BRZ, 2018 MY Forester (Turbo), 2018-2020 MY Impreza, 2018-2020 MY…
- 10205906Dec 9, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2020 MY Ascent, 2018-2019 MY BRZ, 2018 MY Forester (Turbo), 2018-2020 MY Impreza, 2018-2020 MY…
- 10203897Nov 10, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2020 MY Ascent, 2018-2019 MY BRZ, 2018 MY Forester (Turbo), 2018-2020 MY Impreza, 2018-2020 MY…
- 10202835Oct 19, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2020 MY Ascent, 2018-2019 MY BRZ, 2018 MY Forester (Turbo), 2018-2020 MY Impreza, 2018-2020 MY…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 3% |
| 2018 | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 19 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 32 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Outback
273 complaintsElectrical system
267 complaintsOther or unknown
163 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
18 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsWheels
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology